As this is the last week of classes and I was set to blog for the whole semester, this will be my last blog on all-thing-seniors. I tried to blog about things that were interesting and people would care about.
I recall one of my first blogs being about the job search and how daunting it was/is in this economy. I thought at this time I would have landed a job and be on my way to the "real world" as planned. Unfortunately, I have limited prospects and am continuing the job hunt but with a new, more positive outlook.
I've learned a lot about job search sites, and definitely recommend using them because it cannot hurt. However, as most people are saying in this economy you have to network and talk with people you know. Our professors have more experience and contacts than we do, so reach out to them for advice. It's what they're there for! Also, I have gotten great response from contacting Simmons alums found on Alumnet for career advice. They are more than happy to help because ... more »
Posted: April 26, 2009 8:31 pm | 0 comments
Tags: clubs, graduation, job hunt, network, organization
If you're a senior, you're feeling the crunch of the last full 2 weeks of the semester. There are tons of projects, papers, presentations, and portfolios due. We're all working towards May 15th though, and it's coming so fast. I can't believe how fast the semester has gone and feel like I just started blogging!
I just wanted to share a few of the events going on for Seniors in the next few weeks:
Tomorrow (April 22, 2009)
Senior/Faculty Banquet
A great time to mingle with friends and faculty and celebrate your time at Simmons.
You do need to RSVP and by the time you read this it might be too late!
May 12, 2009
Senior Wine and Cheese
Top of the Hub
You do need to register on alumnet for this and it is free. This is the event I am most excited about. What better chance to network than with wine and delicious cheese at the top of Boston??
Register here: https://alumnet.simmons.edu/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1455
May 13, 2009
Commencement Ball
State House
The Commencement Ball will ... more »
Posted: April 21, 2009 7:13 pm | 2 comments
Tags:
I've heard a lot of the same response from editors of magazines and newspapers when I've been applying to jobs. "We're not hiring part-time or full-time right now, but we're always looking for submissions so send us your resume and writing samples."
So, there's always the option to freelance, which I never really thought about until now. I don't know a lot about it, but essentially you do work for a variety of outlets, get paid for them, and work from home. A downside is you won't get benefits, but at least you're getting paid!
And, I've also heard that even if an outlet isn't paying you to submit, submit as much as you can just to get your name published. The more clips you have from a wide variety of publications, the better experience you have.
So start writing, designing, drawing, developing, etc and start getting your name printed!
Posted: April 15, 2009 2:15 pm | 2 comments
Tags: design, freelance, money, writing
I recently learned a new job hunting tip: get recommended on LinkedIn.
Essentially, being recommended means you ask someone, or they do it voluntarily, in your network to write something positive about the work you've done as a student, at a job, internship, etc. Someone could write about your excellent reporting skills or ability to ask questions and pay attention to detail.
Then, when you apply for a job, in your cover letter or first e-mail you could include the link to your LinkedIn and a potential employer could see a reference without picking up the phone.
Don't be afraid to ask someone to recommend you, people are looking to help and it's always nice to read something nice about yourself!
Posted: April 10, 2009 10:35 am | 0 comments
Tags: job hunt, LinkedIn, reccomend, social networking
Many students get an apartment and think they will be living there through the summer. When March and April come and it's really time to think about summer plans, students change their minds. Thus, they end up renting out their room or "subletting" to someone for the summer. Some landlords and management companies don't allow it but people do it anyway and others will help you find a replacement. It's always good to check in your lease.
Anyway, Craigslist is full of people looking to sublet their room and move home for the summer or elsewhere to save money. Craigslist seems like the only option to list your room but Facebook has a marketplace listing option, and I think Myspace too. You could always post it on a bulletin board at school or the grocery store--just don't let your landlord see it!
If you're looking for a room for the summer your options are endless, but if you're looking to rent it out good luck! I've seen so many people, including my own roommates and neighbors, lo ... more »
Posted: April 5, 2009 6:40 pm | 1 comment
Tags: apartment, sublet, summer
A lot of professors recommend seniors create an Alumnet account. (alumnet.simmons.edu) It is the network of Simmons alums who have chosen to join and provide info about themselves. I always thought it was just one of those things they tell you to do, but it is really pretty worthless.
Well, I learned otherwise today. I made my account a few months ago but never really utilized it. When you log in, go to the top right corner and click on directory. There, you can search for specific alums, but in my case I searched for the field.
For example, say you wanted to move to Florida to pursue a biology career. You simply put in the state and then from the drop down menu select biology. A list of alums, if there are any, will come up that have careers in biology in Florida. The alum's e-mail address is usually in their contact info. You could also try MA and Public Relations. Or MA and journalism. The options are endless.
Now, you can send her an e-mail for career advice or contacts s ... more »
Posted: April 1, 2009 12:36 pm | 1 comment
Tags: alumane, alumnet, contacts, networking
It seems like everyone has a birthday in March or April. I've realized I'm going to start going broke on birthday gifts in the next few weeks. In fact, a friend is having a joint birthday celebration in 2 weeks. It's her birthday, her boyfriend's birthday, her boyfriend's friend's birthday and his girlfriend's birthday. Three out of the four of them were born on the same day...all different years.
After living with my roommate for four years now, I'm out of ideas for a birthday gift. Last year I got her 21 balloons in her two favorite colors and filled her room with them. She liked it, but the gift was "dead" after a week and ended up costing more than you'd think. I decided that was a waste of money this year.
I am struggling with what to get her. I have an idea but won't write it in case she reads this. I want it to be useful, unique, and worth buying all at the same time. Who knows where we will end up a year from now, so we might not celebrate her birthday together next y ... more »
Posted: March 29, 2009 4:33 pm | 1 comment
Tags: birthdays, celebrate, parties, spring birthdays
On Thursday, March 26, the 50 Days Fundraiser for the Class of 2009 will be held at the Improv Asylum on Hanover Street in the North End at 8pm. The purpose of the event is to celebrate 50 days until graduation at a venue outside of Simmons.
Another purpose of the event is to raise money for the class of 2009 and events during Senior Week. Tickets are $20 and half of all ticket sales will go to the class of '09. An e-mail to the class of 2009 states that students can get tickets by calling 617-263-NUTS (6887) and mentioning the promo code GRAD09.
All seniors are invited to attend as well as faculty and other Simmons community members.
I think it sounds like a fun event, if seniors go. It would be nice to raise money for events during senior week like the Commencement Ball. Perhaps the commencement ball won't be as much as a controversy as the Soiree was...
Posted: March 24, 2009 4:47 pm | 1 comment
Tags: celebrate, fundraiser, graduation, parties
Here's another way for college grads to get into even more debt and yet another payment to make.
If you're not working and living in a city with public transportation, you need a car to get to work. If you're like most college grads, you will have to start to make student loan payments a few months after May 15. Why not add a car payment into the mix?
I've recently learned about car companies with special offers to recent graduates. For example, Nissan offered $500 cash back if you bought or leased a new Nissan from a select group of vehicles like the Altima, Rogue, Versa, etc and were a recent graduate. "Recent graduate" varies by car company--for Nissan you had to be graduating and have proof you were (transcript w/expected 05/09 date) graduating in 6 months or graduated 2 years ago. If you can't buy a car right away, they give you 2 years to save and still get the deal.
Other companies have similar offers. Volvo offers special financing for those graduating in 3 months or 24 m ... more »
Posted: March 20, 2009 10:18 am | 2 comments
Tags: car, financing, graduate, new car
During the job hunt it is always nice to see in a posting that a company offers health benefits. Before now, I really never thought anything about it because I just assumed everyone offers health benefits and for so long I have been under my parent's work health benefits.
Someone recently said to me that I should find out how long I am still covered under my parents after graduation. I thought to myself, 'well, I'll just find a job that has benefits and that won't be an issue.' In this economy though, finding a job is difficult and finding a job with good benefits or any benefits at all could be even more difficult as well.
For seniors, or even juniors thinking about next year, you should find how long you will be covered under your parents' health insurance or how long the coverage from Simmons lasts post-graduation. I think each provider is different ranging from not covering you as soon as you graduate to 3-6 months after graduation. I'm sure by just going on the Web site or ... more »
Posted: March 17, 2009 5:22 pm | 4 comments
Tags: health, health insurance, plan, policy
